ushernet Chapter 252 – Bankai – Holy Banner! My Lord is Here
Chapter 252 – Bankai – Holy Banner! My Lord is Here
Chapter 252 – Bankai – Holy Banner! My Lord is Here
After hearing Urahara’s explanation of the "Mod Soul" and "Soul Soldier" projects, the Visored looked at “Ailin” with a mixture of confusion and embarrassment. They couldn’t believe that the opponent they had been desperately fighting wasn't the real Aizen, but just a copy.
And they had been so thoroughly defeated...
"So, this..."
“You can continue to address me as ‘Aizen.’”
“Alright, Captain Aizen, can I ask how many ‘Soul Soldiers’ are comparable to you?” Urahara asked.
He didn’t fully believe “Aizen’s” claim that “the enemy of my enemy is my friend.”
However, he agreed with one thing: Even with the same memories and strength, Aizen's copy couldn't surpass the original.
If Urahara encountered a Reigai of himself, he was confident he could defeat it.
After all, his intellect was part of his strength, a significant part.
If his "copy" only possessed his memories, spiritual pressure, and Zanpakutō, Urahara believed he could defeat it without much effort.
Who in the world knew him better than himself?
"Soul Soldiers comparable to me?"
“Ailin’s” lips curled into a smirk.
“Captain Urahara, it seems your understanding of me is incomplete. In the entire Seireitei, how many individuals do you believe are my equals?”
Without waiting for Urahara’s response, “Ailin” continued.
“Head-Captain Yamamoto. For now, I haven’t found a way to counter his Ryūjin Jakka. In a direct confrontation, I’m still outmatched.”
“Captain Ailin’s strength and versatility surpass mine. Aside from those two, who in the Soul Society could I possibly consider a threat? Is it the original captain of the Eleventh Division, Yachiru Unohana? Or perhaps Shunsui Kyōraku and Jūshirō Ukitake, the only two captains with paired Zanpakutō?”
Urahara remained silent.
Indeed, those “Aizen” had mentioned were the most powerful captains in the Gotei 13.
“However...”
“Ailin” glanced at them with amusement in his eyes, amusement that even the dimwitted Hiyori could detect.
“When I was awakened, I sensed Captain Ailin’s spiritual pressure. It seems that fellow is creating a ‘Mod Soul’ of him. I imagine it’s already complete.”
“What?!”
While Urahara had his suspicions, hearing “Aizen” confirm that a Mod Soul of Ailin was being created made his heart sink.
Thankfully, judging by “Aizen’s” current situation, the researcher’s control over Mod Souls wasn't absolute.
With Ailin’s strength, even if a Mod Soul of him was created, it wouldn't be controlled.
But Urahara couldn't help but worry.
Aizen’s rebellious nature stemmed from his ambition, his desire to become a "god."
But Ailin, based on Urahara’s understanding, was a man of principles.
Would he, upon encountering a Mod Soul of himself, reject its creator’s control like Aizen, or would he serve him?
Just as this thought crossed Urahara’s mind, golden spatial ripples appeared in the sky above them.
Clank! Clank!
Countless golden chains shot out from the ripples, binding “Aizen’s” limbs.
Countless transparent barriers rose from the ground, encasing the battlefield, attempting to contain the shockwaves.
Crack! Crack! Crack!
Sadly, the barriers he had erected in haste were too weak. They shattered after a brief resistance.
Thankfully, Tessai had created multiple layers. Each layer, as it shattered, weakened the shockwaves.
Boom!
Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom!
With Tessai buying them a moment, the others reacted swiftly. They unleashed their spiritual pressure and spread out, forming a perimeter around the warehouse, desperately trying to contain the shockwaves.
“Hmph!”
The armored “Ailin” grunted.
He, possessing Ailin's memories, didn't want to harm innocent bystanders.
A golden spatial ripple appeared beside him, and the hilt of a Zanpakutō emerged.
He grasped the hilt and uttered the release command.
“The heavens are the Lord’s glory!”
“The skies are the work of God!”
“Day delivers words, night brings knowledge.”
“...”
“This body is yours to command.”
“Despair gives way to hope!”
As he chanted, golden light erupted from his Zanpakutō.
“Bankai - Holy Banner!”
“My Lord is here!”
Boom!
His Zanpakutō transformed into a flag, radiating a brilliant golden light.
Everything touched by this light gained a defense equal to the banner itself. Even if the damage exceeded the banner’s limits, as long as the light persisted, no one would be harmed. The damage would accumulate, ultimately borne by the banner’s wielder.
However, “Ailin” believed that, with the exception of "Sheath" and "The Almighty," no ability in the Soul Society could completely penetrate Holy Banner’s defense.
Urahara and the others were bathed in the golden light.
They instantly felt its power.
The shockwaves continued to rage, but nothing was destroyed.
The entire town of Karakura was now enveloped in Holy Banner’s light.
“It seems our assistance isn’t needed.”
Hachigen Ushōda dispelled his Hollow mask and sighed.
“Indeed. But...”
While Urahara didn’t finish his sentence, they all understood.
Once this battle ended, it would be their turn to face that monster.